You can connect a barcode scanner directly to a MySQL database using the Orca Scan mobile app. On each scan, Orca Scan queries records, populates mapped fields, and can optionally write changes back. MySQL remains the system of record.
How barcode scanning with MySQL works
It helps to understand the difference between scanning and saving a barcode.
On scan
- Orca searches the MySQL column mapped to the Barcode field
- If a match is found, mapped fields are populated on the device
On save
- If enabled, updates to mapped fields are saved to MySQL
- If enabled, new scans create a new row in MySQL
- When write is not enabled, no data is written to MySQL
Records are never deleted from your MySQL database.
Before you start
Before connecting Orca Scan to MySQL, make sure you have:
- An Orca Scan account and a sheet created
- Orca Scan installed on your barcode scanner, phone or tablet
- Your MySQL Database connection details
- A MySQL table with the required columns
- Database access allowed from
138.68.235.55
Connect your Barcode Scanner to MySQL
- Login to the Orca Scan web app
- Select the sheet you want to connect to MySQL
- Click the Integrations button on the toolbar
Orca scan integrations button - Click the Connect to the right of the MySQL connector
Orca scan sql connectors mysql - Grant the MySQL connector access to your sheet
Mysql connector permissions - Enter your MySQL connection details
Mysql connector connection details - Select the database you want to connect to your sheet
Mysql connector select database - Select the MySQL table you want to use
Mysql connector select table - Choose how Orca Scan should interact with MySQL
Mysql connector access mode - Map MySQL columns to Orca Scan fields using the field mapper
Mysql connector field mapping
That’s it. Invite your team by adding users and start scanning into MySQL.
How do Orca Scan fields map to MySQL?
This table shows how Orca Scan field types map to MySQL column types. Only the listed MySQL column types can be mapped.
| Orca Scan Type | Compatible MySQL Type |
|---|---|
| Text | VARCHAR, TINYTEXT, TEXT, MEDIUMTEXT, LONGTEXT |
VARCHAR, TINYTEXT, TEXT, MEDIUMTEXT, LONGTEXT |
|
| URL | VARCHAR, TINYTEXT, TEXT, MEDIUMTEXT, LONGTEXT |
| Drop-down | VARCHAR, TINYTEXT, TEXT, MEDIUMTEXT, LONGTEXT |
| Unique ID | VARCHAR, TINYTEXT, TEXT, MEDIUMTEXT, LONGTEXT |
| GPS Location | VARCHAR, TINYTEXT, TEXT, MEDIUMTEXT, LONGTEXT |
| GPS Location (automatic) | VARCHAR, TINYTEXT, TEXT, MEDIUMTEXT, LONGTEXT |
| Time | TIME, VARCHAR, TINYTEXT, TEXT, MEDIUMTEXT, LONGTEXT |
| Number | TINYINT, SMALLINT, MEDIUMINT, INT, INTEGER, BIGINT, FLOAT, DOUBLE, DECIMAL, DEC |
| Number (auto-inc) | TINYINT, SMALLINT, MEDIUMINT, INT, INTEGER, BIGINT, FLOAT, DOUBLE, DECIMAL, DEC |
| Number (auto-dec) | TINYINT, SMALLINT, MEDIUMINT, INT, INTEGER, BIGINT, FLOAT, DOUBLE, DECIMAL, DEC |
| True/False | BOOL, BOOLEAN |
| Date | DATE |
| Date (auto) | DATE |
| DateTime | DATETIME |
| DateTime (auto) | DATETIME |
| Multi-select | VARCHAR, TINYTEXT, TEXT, MEDIUMTEXT, LONGTEXT |
| Currency | DECIMAL, DEC |
| - not supported - | |
| - not supported - | |
| - not supported - | |
| Formula | VARCHAR, TINYTEXT, TEXT, MEDIUMTEXT, LONGTEXT |
| Created by | VARCHAR, TINYTEXT, TEXT, MEDIUMTEXT, LONGTEXT |
| Created Date | DATETIME |
| Last Modified by | VARCHAR, TINYTEXT, TEXT, MEDIUMTEXT, LONGTEXT |
| Last Modified Date | DATETIME |
MySQL Connector FAQs
Does Orca Scan modify my MySQL schema?
No. Orca Scan only reads from and writes to existing tables. It never creates, alters, or drops tables or columns.
Does Orca Scan delete records from MySQL?
No. Records are never deleted from your database. If this would be useful to you, please raise a feature request.
What SQL operations are performed?
On scan, Orca Scan performs a SELECT using the column mapped to the Barcode field.
On save, Orca Scan performs an UPDATE on the matched row, or an INSERT if no match exists and write access is enabled.
Which column is used for barcode lookups?
The MySQL column mapped to the Orca Scan Barcode field.
What permissions does the MySQL user need?
SELECT is required for read access. INSERT and UPDATE are required if write access is enabled.
Does Orca Scan create triggers, jobs, or background processes?
No. All database access is request-based and occurs only during scans and saves.
What happens if the scanner is offline?
The device must be online for MySQL lookups and writes to occur.
How secure are my database credentials?
Credentials are encrypted, never logged, and never accessible to the Orca Scan team. For best practice, restrict access to 138.68.235.55 and your trusted systems.
What if my database config changes, how do I resolve issues?
If there is an issue with your MySQL connection:
- Go to Integrations > Connectors
- The connector will show a red warning, click Resolve Issue
- Follow the prompts to fix the issues
How do I change my field mappings after setup?
To change your field mappings:
- Go to Integrations > Connectors > … > Configure
- Change your field mappings and save
How do I update existing rows after changing field mappings?
After changing field mappings, existing rows do not update automatically:
- In the web app, right click a row to Update from Lookup URL
- On mobile, data is refreshed on the next scan
Are there any field mapping limitations?
Yes, a couple:
- Dropdown fields only accept values that exist in your sheet
- The following Orca Scan field types cannot be mapped:
- Signature
- Photo
- Attachment
Can I extract data from barcodes before saving to MySQL?
Yes. You can use Orca Variables to extract data from barcodes such as GS1 before they are saved to MySQL.
Related SQL connector guides
- Scan barcodes into Oracle DB
- Scan barcodes into MariaDB
- Scan barcodes into PostgreSQL
- Scan barcodes into SQL Server
Need help scanning barcodes into MySQL?
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